Estimates show that the rates of diagnosing celiac disease have increased by nearly 400% from the 1960s to the present, and many health authorities speculate that there may still be a significant percentage of people living with undiagnosed celiac disease or similar issues.
The greatest threat associated with untreated celiac disease or other similar food allergies is that it can lead to long-term health problems, such as malnutrition, developmental delays, weakened immunity, neurological disorders, and psychiatric illnesses. Although some individuals with celiac disease may not exhibit any symptoms (at least for a period), long-term complications are still considered a threat regardless of whether symptoms are present.
Therefore, it is vital to follow an appropriate diet for celiac disease if you have this gluten allergy.
Top Foods for Celiac Disease
Currently, there is no known cure for celiac disease, which is why it is considered chronic in nature. The best way to manage the symptoms of celiac disease and prevent future health issues is to follow a strict gluten-free diet, along with improving overall immune function by preventing nutrient deficiencies, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep.
The focus of a diet for celiac disease should be on including more anti-inflammatory, healing foods to repair the gastrointestinal tract/digestive system and to heal any nutrient deficiencies. These include organic animal products, raw dairy, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and probiotic foods.
Some of the healthiest gluten-free foods include:
Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are the cornerstone of any healthy diet and are naturally gluten-free. They provide essential nutrients, valuable fiber, and antioxidants to boost immune function.
Lean proteins: These provide protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals that combat malnutrition and inflammation. Sources include eggs, fish (caught in the wild), pasture-raised poultry, beef, and other protein-rich foods and omega-3 sources.
Healthy fats: Sources include oils or ghee, avocado, virgin coconut oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, flax seeds, hemp, and pumpkin seed oil.
Nuts and seeds: Good sources of healthy fats, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids can be found in almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, hemp, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame, and sunflower seeds.
Dairy (preferably organic and raw): Good sources of electrolytes such as calcium and potassium, healthy fats, and proteins can be found in goat milk or yogurt, other fermented yogurts, goat or sheep cheese, and raw cow’s milk.
Legumes, beans, and gluten-free whole grains: These include all types of beans, wild or brown rice, gluten-free oats, buckwheat, quinoa, and amaranth. It is a good idea to properly prepare beans and grains (especially those that contain gluten) by soaking, sprouting, and fermenting them. Sprouting helps improve the bioavailability of nutrients, reduces the presence of anti-nutrients that can cause digestive issues, and makes proteins more digestible.
Gluten-free flours: These include brown rice flour, potato or corn flour, quinoa flour, almond flour, coconut flour, nut flour, tapioca/starch flour, cassava, and other gluten-free blends. Always purchase certified gluten-free products to ensure safety.
Bone broth: An excellent source of collagen, glucosamine, and amino acids that help repair the gastrointestinal tract.
Other gluten-free spices and herbs: These include sea salt, cocoa, apple cider vinegar, fresh herbs and spices (labeled gluten-free), raw honey, and organic stevia.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a serious food allergy and an autoimmune disorder triggered by the consumption of gluten, a type of protein found in many foods containing wheat, barley, and rye. It is believed that gluten allergies can be linked to dozens, if not hundreds, of different symptoms ranging from indigestion to chronic fatigue.
For most people, celiac disease affects the entire immune system and, therefore, the overall quality of life.
What are the common signs or symptoms of this disease and its underlying causes?
Individuals with celiac disease experience negative reactions to compounds found in gluten, which trigger an increased release of chemical substances (cytokines) that cause inflammation and autoimmune reactions. Symptoms often include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, joint pain, and behavioral issues.
Celiac disease can be triggered in both adults and children or infants when grains are introduced into their diet. Children or infants with celiac disease may experience the following symptoms:
apathy;
anorexia;
pale skin;
decreased muscle tone (generalized hypotonia);
increased abdominal volume (abdominal distension);
anemia;
slowed growth process;
bulky and discolored stools.
In adults, the most commonly encountered symptoms are:
fatigue;
weakness;
anorexia;
moderate diarrhea;
large amounts of fat in the stool (steatorrhea).
Some adults with this disease may also notice weight loss or may exhibit signs of vitamin D and calcium deficiency.
Experts believe that individuals with celiac disease are often genetically predisposed to gluten allergy, including presenting anomalies of human leukocyte antigens and non-HLA genes.
